Michigan bill would make Stein pay recount costs

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LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein could be forced to pay the entire cost of Michigan’s statewide recount under a bill advancing in the state Legislature.

The Republican-controlled House Elections Committee approved the legislation Tuesday. It would require any candidate who loses by more than 5 percentage points to pay 100 percent of the estimated cost of the recount.

Those candidates now pay $125 per precinct, which is Stein’s case is nearly $1 million. Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has said the recount may cost $5 million.

The bill would retroactively apply to Stein. Democrats voting against the measure questioned the constitutionality of changing the rules “in the middle of the game.”

BRENDA

I have suggested this same approach for those that challenge the results. Make them pay for 100% of the costs if they lost by a large enough margin, but allow the request either way (well done Michigan).